Diploma: Fashion Production

Purpose

The Diploma: Fashion Production focuses on applied processes that will develop the conceptual and contextual knowledge of the learner. The purpose of the Diploma: Fashion Production is to provide the learner with competency in analysing and applying the principles of the fashion system from production through to consumption in order to meet market demands.

Rationale

Globally the fashion industry has undergone rapid change during the past few decades. The production of fashion has evolved into a multi-faceted industry that is not only concerned with the manufacturing of fashion but also the systems of production, distribution, diffusion, reception, adoption and consumption that drive the fashion industry. This brought with it the need for a qualification that keeps abreast with the changes in the industry which aligns learning to industry demands.

The qualification has the potential to address the diverse technical skills' requirements of the fashion industry, as well as to add value to applied research that can play a role in informing the faculty, industry and the public of important issues that can contribute to intellectual capital and the economic development of South Africa within the field of the fashion production. The qualification seeks to address the following critical areas:

• Product development skills including garment design, Computer-Aided-Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided-Manufacturing (CAM), pattern-making, style, colour, size applications and fabric application, with attention paid to fabric technology, production management and supply chain management.
• Product-buying skills needed by retailers. The Diploma should focus, in order of priority and time allocated in the programmes, on supply chain management, fabric technology, product development (design) and production management.

Other important general management skills as identified by the CTFL SETA (2009:17) are included, such as

• Motivational skills.
• Marketing skills, specifically understanding customer and end consumer needs in the market in which the company operates (South African consumer), development and use of market knowledge systems, market segmentation and differentiation.
• Product costing. Local manufacturing entities have to negotiate along the supply chain to deliver to customers the product they require and at the price they are willing to pay.
• Branding - building a brand that is linked to low cost, quality, flexibility and reliable delivery.
• Improving efficiency to supply quick-response products.

Meetings were held with retail industry supporters and employers and the following areas were identified as a basis for a relevant qualification to ensure employable candidates:

- Strong product development and skills' content, with specific reference to

> Conceptualisation and transformation of two-dimensional forms into three-dimensional products.

> Body shapes and sizing.

> The processes involved in developing fibres to fabrics.

> Fabric sourcing.

> Quality management systems.

> Construction, problem-solving and innovative global communication skills, as these are core competencies required by the industry.

• Developing the knowledge base of production and manufacturing processes, including exposure to manufacturing environments within the fashion industry.
• Developing depth by delivering programmes emphasising diversity of product range, through the use of an integrated process approach.
• Developing life skills' and corporate communication skills' components, both written and spoken.
• Incorporating components that provide exposure to the industry at all study levels.

It is assumed that learners are competent in

• Communication at NQF Level 4.
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Faculty accepts Recognition of Prior Learning as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the Faculty accepts the challenge of assessing prior learning and awarding credits aligned to Faculty programmes, to promote lifelong learning.

The purpose of the University of Johannesburg Recognition of Prior Learning policy, which directs the Faculty's Recognition of Prior Learning procedure, is to recognise prior learning in order to provide for access into programmes, grant advanced placement in programmes and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as a basis for faculty-specific Recognition of Prior Learning practices.

Access to the Qualification

Access is open, but in keeping with learning assumed to be in place.

All the modules are compulsory and must be completed for the qualification to be awarded.

Total credits required for the qualification: 360.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Applied Quality and Operations I, 24 Credits.
• Contextual Studies, 16 Credits.
• Fashion and Textile Technology I, 40 Credits.
• Technical Product Development I, 20 Credits.
• Fashion Business Management I, 20 Credits.

Total Credits for Level 5: 120.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Applied Quality and Operations II, 20 Credits.
• Fashion Theory I, 20 Credits.
• Fashion and Textile Technology II, 40 Credits.
• Technical Product Development II, 20 Credits.
• Fashion Business Management II, 20 Credits.
• Fashion Theory II, 20 Credits.
• Fashion and Textile Technology III, 40 Credits.

Total Credits for NQF Level 6: 180.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Applied Quality and Operations III, 60 Credits.

Total credits for NQF Level 7: 60.

1. Use appropriate technology to enhance communication and develop a variety of marketable, currently fashionable basic fashion products for manufacture.
2. Apply the basic concepts of business management in relation to the fashion industry.
3. Apply textile technology to design and manufacture a variety of basic fashion garments.
4. Apply a variety of production operating systems in relation to fashion manufacturing.
5. Identify and explain the process of fashion production as part of an integrated global system of art and design.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Identifying and solving problems is demonstrated when following the product development production process from concept to dispatch.
• Team work is demonstrated through the completion of specific group projects in Applied Quality and Operations and Technical Product Development.
• Organising self is demonstrated by attendance of all lectures, adhering to deadlines in project submission in practical modules and submission of portfolios in theory modules.
• Collating information is indicated in the research components of modules such as Contextual Studies and Theory of Clothing.
• Effective communication is demonstrated in the completion of written work, role playing activities and group work, as well as in the interaction with the lecturers.
• Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in all modules where students are required to use accurate measurements, present professional reports and use discipline specific Computer-Aided-Design soft- and hardware.
• Understanding the world as a set of related systems is evident in the intended integrative delivery of the programme.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply manual technical drawing skills to develop a product.
• Use the appropriate CAD software and hardware to develop products for manufacture.
• Use the appropriate CAD software and hardware to enhance communication and manufacturing within the context of supply chain applications related to the fashion industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and explain the basic concepts of financial planning in the context of entrepreneurship within the fashion industry.

> Range of concepts includes, but is not limited to: Market research, product development, branding, marketing, merchandising and distribution.

• Apply basic principles of planning in order to set up a small business within the fashion industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply knowledge of textile technology to the manufacture of basic fashion garments.
• Use the appropriate technical designs, technology and accepted manufacturing methods to manufacture a range of basic fashion garments.
• Utilise appropriate textile applications, industrial machinery and accepted manufacturing methods that meet the minimum quality specifications as stipulated by the fashion retail sector, to manufacture a range of basic garments that reflect core market needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify the fundamental principles of a variety of production operating systems used in fashion manufacturing and indicate the importance of productivity improvement within an economy.
• Apply the fundamental principles of a variety of production operating systems used in relation to fashion manufacturing and explain the importance of productivity improvement within an economy.
• Demonstrate the ability to enhance efficiency in material management, sourcing, development and manufacture of fashion as an integral part of the supply chain.
• Adapt the general concepts of production operations management to a selected fashion product range.
• Conduct basic research within a selected specialised area of fashion production.

> Range of specialised areas includes, but is not limited to: Buying and merchandising; technical product development; textile technology and application; production and quality systems; marketing and branding; material and product sourcing; adoption and consumption.

• Apply basic research principles within a working environment in order to recommend effective change within a specialised area of fashion production.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate understanding of the broad visual and design culture.
• Demonstrated an awareness of academic practices, theoretical tendencies and discourses in accordance with relevant constructs pertaining to fashion design and fashion production on both local and international levels.
• Demonstrate the basic application of research principles, academic writing and ethical considerations.
• Identify and explain indicators of fashion change that are applicable to fashion as a global system.
• Interpret retail principles and theories for a diverse range of fashion products.

Integrated Assessment

Learners' progress in the programme is monitored at various levels.

Formative assessments take place on a continuous basis throughout the programme.

Summative assessments take place according to a schedule outlined in the module Learning Guide.

The results of assessments are communicated to learners timeously, thereby creating a system where the learners continuously receive feedback on their performance.

At mid-year, learners receive a progress report that provides them and their lecturers with a clear indication of progress to date.

In their third year, learners conduct several research essays that apply to their individual working environments. These essays provide valuable insight into current trends and industry requirements and are used to make improvements to the programme on an annual basis.